Castleton Railway Station is full steam ahead for annual In Bloom

Date published: 25 June 2019

Schoolchildren have ensured that the planters at Castleton Railway Station are on the right track for success for this year’s North West in Bloom contest.

Pupils from Matthew Moss, St Edward’s, St Gabriel’s, Castleton Primary and St John’s were joined by staff from Bowlee Nursery on Monday 17 June, where they spruced up the planters with vibrant blooms.

This is the eighth year school children have planted up Castleton Railway Station, and follows a tidy-up of the station on Thursday (13 June) by Joanne and Peter Kelly, who run The Commercial pub and Commic Candy sweet store.

Roy Down, Chairman of Rochdale in Bloom, said: "This year is the eighth year in succession we have planted-up Castleton Station, and it is great to see all the schools in Castleton taking part. I would like to thank Sam and Dale from Bowlee Nurseries, who helped make sure we had enough plants for all our features."

Mayor Billy Sheerin, a member of the Rochdale in Bloom committee and Castleton ward councillor, said: "The children carried out some super work.

"What was so wonderful about the event is that all five schools in Castleton came together, and the children can learn respect through these community activities.

"With the help of the children and the wonderful gardeners from Bowlee Nursery, the station looks absolutely beautiful again."

North West in Bloom, run by the RHS, has been celebrating the success of communities since 1964 and aims to encourage local communities to improve and care for their local environment. They promote imaginative planting schemes, landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and clean-up projects for litter and graffiti.

Judges award points based on three main criteria: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.